Recent US-led bombardment in the South American nation and the capture of its leader have renewed worry regarding Washington's designs on Greenland. Followers of the former president's political movement have allegedly turned their attention to the vast island following the operations in South America.
Provocative Messages and Diplomatic Backlash
Only hours following the commencement of the Venezuelan campaign, a prominent right-wing podcaster, who is married to a senior presidential aide, posted a symbolic map. The picture depicted Greenland draped with the American flag, accompanied by cryptic message: "SOON."
This blatant threat to claim the resource-abundant land, which is a member of the NATO alliance, triggered swift and firm condemnation from Denmark's representatives.
"Denmark and the US are close allies and should continue to cooperate as such. US security is also Greenland’s and Denmark’s security," declared the Copenhagen's envoy to the United States. "Our nation and the United States work together to ensure security in the North."
The diplomat further highlighted that Denmark had substantially boosted its defence spending this year, earmarking a large sum expressly for Arctic and North Atlantic security. "And yes, we expect complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the our realm," he added.
Administrative Moves and Strategic Interests
The tensions were additionally complicated by the recent appointment of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The governor had publicly expressed gratitude to the president, saying it was an "honour" to work in a volunteer role to "make Greenland a part of the US."
After the military action in Venezuela, this envoy commended the administration's actions, connecting it to the broader "war on drugs."
Since assuming office, the American leader has consistently alarmed transatlantic allies with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is considered vitally strategic for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It currently houses the most northerly US air base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a notable media interview, the leader declined to rule out the resorting to military force to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes amid intensifying great-power rivalry in the polar region. "I don't rule it out. I don't say I'm going to do it, but I don't rule out anything... We need Greenland very badly," he remarked.
He characterized Greenland as having a "tiny amount of people, which we’ll take care of, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."
Growing Tensions and Indigenous Opposition
In reaction to this persistent "drumbeat" of threats, Danish intelligence service took the unprecedented step last month of labelling the United States as a "potential threat."
The leaders of both Greenland issued a unified and stern statement: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Surveys in Greenland reveals a complex picture. While a vast majority of the island's inhabitants seek self-rule from Denmark, there is also scant desire to become part of the United States. The territory has had the legal right to declare independence for over a decade.
Expert Assessment: A Plausible Scenario?
Military analysts are increasingly reconsidering the likelihood of such a move. One thinktank analyst focusing in defence conceded she had previously discounted the sabre-rattling but was "now not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a couple hundred or a couple thousand troops inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me which power could do anything about it," she observed.
